Abstract
Process development, cheaper bioreactor cost, and faster fermentation rate can aid in reducing the cost of fermentation. In this article, these ideas were combined in developing a previously introduced textile bioreactor for ethanol production. The bioreactor was developed to utilize flocculating yeast for ethanol production under anaerobic conditions. A mixing system, which works without aerators, spargers, or impellers, but utilizes the liquid content in the bioreactor for suspending the flocculating yeast to form a fluidized bed, was developed and examined. It could be used with dilution rates greater than 1.0 h−1 with less possibility of washout. The flow conditions required to begin and maintain a fluidized bed were determined. Fermentation experiments with flow rate and utilization of the mixing system as process variables were carried out. The results showed enhanced mass transfer as evidenced by faster fermentation rates on experiments with complete sucrose utilization after 36 h, even at 30 times lesser flow rate.
Highlights
Increasing energy demand and environmental awareness have influenced the progressive rise in the production and utilization of bioethanol as a transportation fuel [1]
A highly flocculating yeast strain with a settling rate of 1 cm/s was used to examine the performance of the developed textile bioreactor for bioethanol production
The efficiency of mixing in the developed textile bioreactor and the flow rate needed to maintain optimal contact between the flocculating yeast and bioreactor content were investigated in this work
Summary
Increasing energy demand and environmental awareness have influenced the progressive rise in the production and utilization of bioethanol as a transportation fuel [1]. Fixed or fluidized bed systems have their benefits, but for optimal mass transfer and faster production rate, fluidized bed systems are more advantageous because of the larger contacting area of the flocs [5]. To create a stable fluidized bed, the flow rate has to be between the minimum to initiate fluidization and the maximum to prevent the flocs from being carried away from the bioreactor [5]. For these reasons, the design and operation of the bioreactor to be used for propagating flocculating microorganisms is quite important. Airlift bioreactors are the main type of bioreactor being used for utilizing flocculating yeast for bioethanol production [3]
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